The comparative effects of azathioprine and cyclosporin on some gingival health parameters of renal transplant patients. A longitudinal study.

The periodontal health of 24 adult renal transplant patients was investigated in a longitudinal study. Post-transplant patients were receiving either azathioprine or cyclosporin to prevent graft rejection. No significant difference (P greater than 0.05) was observed for plaque scores on gingival inflammation, either between treatment groups or throughout the investigation period. However, patients on cyclosporin therapy had significantly more gingival hyperplasia and probing sites greater than 3 mm than those on azathioprine (P less than 0.05). In the cyclosporin group, a significant increase in hyperplasia and probing sites greater than 3 mm was observed at 3 and 6 months post-transplant. A significant correlation (rs = 0.55, P less than 0.05) was observed between mean plasma concentrations of cyclosporin throughout the 6-month investigation period and the increase in gingival hyperplasia. The finding from this study would suggest that azathioprine has no unwanted effects on the periodontal health of post-renal transplant patients. Cyclosporin therapy caused an increase in gingival hyperplasia, which may be related to plasma concentrations of the drug.